BGSU:Ways to Give Back

Please click on the images above to discover how the BGSU community has given to its passions

Voices of faculty and staff

“I have a passion to give back to our sport programs so our student athletes can have the best possible experience at BGSU. When they have a great experience, we create winners both on and off the field.”

Linda Kidd, Budget Officer, Athletics

“Students are our future and making a gift in support of them is an investment in that future. When someone gives in support of students they will remember that and will give back when they are able. I keep an anonymous quote that says ‘blessed are those that can give without remembering and receive without forgetting.’ This is the essence of why I give to Family Campaign.”

Betty DeSilvio, Nurse Specialist

“For me, giving to the Family Campaign encompasses four common elements – knowing & appreciating and giving back & looking forward. BGSU is strong in all four areas because individuals support and appreciate what’s happened in the past, and they give a commitment to the future of the institution. The benefit of giving to Family Campaign is people can make that commitment to the area that interests them the most.”

Dick Edwards, Retiree

“The history and tradition of BGSU is my passion, which is why I give to groups like Sic Sic and the Freddie and Frieda Fund. I want our campus family to embrace our school colors and our existing traditions - and even make some new traditions.”

Michael Ginsburg, Associate Dean of Students

“The library is far more than just a place to get books; it is essential to a successful university experience. As the library continues to partner with other services and departments on campus, we become a more cohesive campus family. By giving back to the library, I am supporting that family.”

Kate Najacht, University Libraries

“The benefits of a university have no expiration date. I will benefit from BGSU today, tomorrow and 20 years from now in ways I do not yet know. Those benefits help me intellectually, personally and professionally, and they far outweigh any financial contribution I can give back.”

Jodi Devine, University Honors Program

“My parents never went to college but made significant sacrifices so I could. That’s why I established a fund in their names which will eventually benefit transfer students. It doesn’t take a large amount to make a difference -- every little bit helps. There really are no small donations.”

David Rice, Assistant Director, Admissions

“I’ve spent a great deal of time working with graduate students and helping them adapt to the classroom. Making this transition to teaching is essential. That’s why my wife and I created a teaching award for philosophy graduate students. Serving as both a professor and university administrator, I know BGSU is a great place to be. Why not do what you can to make it better?”

Louis I Katzner, Acting Chair/Trustee Professor, Philosophy

“My family and I have established a scholarship fund to help Firelands students because it encourages students to attend BGSU while helping ease some of their financial hardship. I give to Family Campaign because of what BGSU has given me – both as a former student and now as a professor. BGSU has changed my life and is one of the reasons I have dedicated myself to higher education.”

Bob DeBard, Associate Professor, College Student Personnel

“We understand that tuition and costs have greatly increased at a time when the percentage of state support has decreased significantly. This situation creates a barrier to potentially well qualified high school graduates. Because of this, and the external help we both received in our lives, we created a scholarship in the College of Education and Human Development. This scholarship will provide assistance to those who have overcome personal or financial challenges.”

David & Mary Jane Elsass, retirees

“I have a real passion for technology and want to give my students every opportunity for success -- that’s why it’s important for me to give back to the College. Also, I have a deep respect and appreciation for our student athletes—they have such a high level of commitment both on the field and in classroom. I know when I support Falcon Club, I am providing support to some of the hardest working students on campus.”

Donna Trautman, Associate Dean of Technology

What students say

"My scholarship has truly helped me in my journey of becoming an educator. My donor has made an impact in my learning experience, and I hope to have an impact in the lives of my students as well.”

“I am eternally grateful for the generosity of the donors who contributed to my success at BGSU. With their help, I was able to focus on my education and get accepted into graduate school.”

“My scholarship from the Alumni Association has helped me immensely. I am a very nontraditional student because I have a daughter here who is a senior also. I lost my husband to a sudden heart attack a year and a half ago, and it is sometimes an immense struggle making it on my own. I really do have a deep appreciation for anyone who reaches out to help along the way.”

"Generous contributions from donors give students the opportunity to minimize some of our financial burdens. College is never and easy ride, but some of the struggles are made easier by people who give back.”